Chapter 18

Punky Explains

Still curious about the box I was in, some old articles I’d read about quantum theory came to mind. Written for lay people, most were not easy to understand. But I kept trying because the quantum-related idea that consciousness creates one’s individual reality fascinates me. Could that mean this cube and Punky are real only because I’m here to see them?

Punky’s hands moved about in the air, quick and confident; I was reminded of a math professor writing on a blackboard. But he appeared to pluck invisible things from the space all around him and rearrange them. He must have been able to see things I couldn't see.

“Punky, did you create this space?” No answer. I thought he was too absorbed in his task to hear me. But after what seemed like a long time, he sighed and he turned to face me.

“All right, I got it.” I crossed my fingers and hoped he was right.

“In answer to your question, yes, I created this space for you. Its three-dimensional appearance is to help you feel comfortable. Sorry I didn't have time for textures and colors; but we’ll only be here for a few minutes of your time.”

“I read somewhere that reality is created by human consciousness. Is that true?”

“Yes it is, in general. But that’s an oversimplification; and I can't go into detail about the human concept of reality because it’s become so distorted over the years it no longer makes sense to me. But I will say that humans receive a lot of help with their reality-building from what you call the spirit world. What we call Real.”

“Please tell me about that.” I’d never seen nor heard this term Real before.

“Your Carl Gustav Jung came close to describing Real when he wrote about the collective unconscious. Both terms refer to a pool of universal knowledge and records in the galactic library. Any human who wants to and takes time to learn how to do it can access that information.” He paused to make a couple of pointed hits in the air. “If people paid more attention to Jung’s ideas, the world could improve. By the way, the galactic library is also well known by another name, Akashic Records.”

I’d heard of the Akashic Records and was interested in them, but I was curious about other things right now. I didn’t know how much time I’d have with Punky so I kept going.

“Are you a human?”

“My spirit has taken many human forms throughout earth’s history. But right now I’m taking a break from human existence. I come and go as I please, except for specific duties like this one.”

So reincarnation must be true, I thought with some amazement. He frowned, still focused on something I couldn’t see.

“What is it?” I spoke without thinking. He didn’t reply right away.

“I’m trying to verify the integrity of your database in the galactic library. After an eternity or two there can be a few glitches, even though databases are supposed to be kept up-to-date and reconditioned every eon. I’m doing your latest updates.

“For this experience you’ll stay in The Commons, an intermediate area of Real.”

All this was new, strange and fascinating.

“To go beyond The Commons one must die in the material world; and you’re not ready for that yet.” He was quiet for a moment. “The whole experience should feel natural as you will be inside The Commons in the same place and time you lived before. You will have an avatar for the past and memories will be revived. All this will help make it easier for you to feel comfortable in the experience.”

I didn’t quite understand all of that, but relaxed a little.

“Right now I’m updating all the required information in your database.” He paused. “Oh, and this is important. While you’re there, you’ll retain your present-life memories which could cause some confusion or awkward situations if they surfaced. So you must pay attention to all your thoughts and feelings and keep them under control."

My mind was on overload. So I really am going to a place and time where I lived before. That sounded crazy, impossible. How will I sort this all out when I get there? How will it work? I almost choked on those thoughts.

“So reincarnation is a fact?”

“Yes, reincarnation is true. And because you’ve accepted the task ahead, you’ll receive karma points for your next incarnation.” He looked to his left, still focused on a something I couldn’t see. “If it wasn’t true, what would be the purpose of human existence?” Punky laughed.

“Here’s how it works; life happens when school’s in session. School ends when you die, or as we say in Real, you graduate from physical life.

“You get grades in the form of good or bad karma. Then after recess, you start over again in your next physical life.”

“So it’s all about getting an education?” That almost made sense to me.

“Yes, you’ve been to the school of life many times. Everything’s recorded in your galactic library database.” Punky sounded more serious as he continued. “I tend to think of the whole process as a form of behavior modification.”

“Behavior modification? Please explain.”

“I will John, for instance, if in a lifetime you’ve been given resources, both intellectual and financial, to make the human condition better for someone or even the ability to do something on a grander scale, and you choose to became greedy, hoarding your resources while ignoring the desperate living conditions of others; your next incarnation could serve as punishment and education. You might come into, and have to endure, the very situation that was made worse by your inaction in your previous life. Those can be long, hard lessons that help a soul become more empathetic as it moves toward wisdom.”

“I see, so if one doesn’t learn a lesson the first time, it will be repeated in some form or other during subsequent incarnations.”

“Absolutely, one could get stuck in a continuous loop of reincarnation and suffering until finally getting wise and realizing that whatever is done to others, is also done to oneself. Some lessons take many lifetimes.”

“I don’t believe I’m suffering, so I must have learned some good things by now.”

“I don’t think you have a problem; but it’s not for me to make that judgment. Please forget I said anything.”

“Forgotten already; so can you tell me how many lifetimes I’ve lived?”

“I can check on that and get back to you; it’s in the records.”

“Thanks.” I grinned.

“Now I cannot stress enough how important it is for you to understand this: There is no circumstance whatsoever that permits you to tell someone who you really are. It will be best, and easiest, if you suppress your current identity and memories while you’re on this mission.” Punky gave me a stern look, the way a teacher warns a pupil who never pays attention.

"Any other questions?” His sunny smile returned.

 NEXT.....Chapter 19
Earth Avatars